Reading Plan for Jan. 15 - 21

January 15, 2026 | Mark 4:1-9
Reflection:
This parable of Jesus is quite well known. On one level, it seems pretty straightforward: there are different responses to the good news because human beings are quite diverse. Be good soil, that is, be receptive to this good news! Right after telling this parable, though, his disciples are as confused as the crowds. Jesus gives one interpretation that seems to shift our understanding. This comes in tomorrow’s reading.

January 16, 2026 | Mark 4:10-20
Reflection:
If you’ve ever struggled with Jesus’ parables, don’t worry. For the last 2000 years, everyone who’s encountered them has struggled in some way. Even Jesus says, “I tell them parables, so that they won’t understand.” Huh? Well, parables aren’t for everyone. They’re meant to be wrestled with…maybe for a lifetime. Notice the confusing thing: at first, the sower is sowing the “word”; then, at some point, the seeds are the ones who hear the word. Take your time with this one; what is Jesus calling you to understand?

January 17, 2026 | Mark 4:21-25
Reflection:
Many of Jesus’ parables do not reveal meaning in their first reading. This first parable comes to life through the children’s song, “This Little Light of Mine.” We are not to hide God’s light under a basket; at least this seems a good interpretation. Then we hear about all that is secret coming to light. Then comes “Give and you will get.” That seems reasonable. Then comes the last part: “If you have more, more will be given. If you have less, even that will be taken away.” What’s your best guess as to what this means? At the heart of this may be generosity.

January 18, 2026 | Mark 4:26-29
Reflection:
Talk of “harvest” in the gospels usually is connected to producing fruit of the good-news kind of life. The other times we hear about harvests have to do with “end times.” For both of these, the call is to faithfulness in all of our days.

January 19, 2026 | Mark 4:30-34
Reflection:
Parables have great power. They don’t mean one thing. They open up meaning. A parable may fall short of the greater reality it gestures toward, but think of them as pathways that lead us deeper into the realities of God and faithful living.

January 20, 2026 | Mark 4:35-41
Reflection:
A famous story here of Jesus walking on the water invites us into the mystery of this figure, who so far in the gospel has been a preacher, teacher, & healer. With each new story, we discover that Jesus is so much more than any component part. Here, he shows signs of being in tune with the power of the Creator God.

January 21, 2026 | Mark 5:1-5
Reflection:
Jesus’ ministry begins to reach beyond the boundaries of “Israel and Judah.” Think of the great compassion Jesus has for this one man, possessed by so many, whose suffering was great. Jesus crosses boundaries to “seek and save the one lost sheep.”